Planning a long gaming session
You want enough crisps for yourself or to share. Check the net weight and decide whether one bag will be enough for the number of players.
Which option suits your gaming session?
Choosing a flavour and texture
You’re looking for a particular flavour or shape, such as ridged crisps, formed crisps or sticks. Compare the exact varieties, as they don’t all offer the same eating experience.
Checking the label before you buy
You want to check the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens for your chosen flavour before serving, perhaps because someone in the group has an allergy.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, work out how many people will be eating and whether you want to share the crisps or portion them out in advance. Then choose a flavour and check the label on the pack you’re actually buying.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Compare the net weight with the number of players and the planned session. | If the crisps will be on the table for a long time, I want to know whether one bag will be enough to share. Around 36% of consumers prioritise getting enough in the pack. |
| Flavour and shape | Check the flavour and choose between standard crisps, ridged crisps, sticks and formed crisps. | A particular flavour or crunch matters more to me, even if another bag contains more. Around 22% of consumers prioritise flavour or texture. |
| Portioning | For a multipack, check the number of packs and the contents of each one. | I want to be able to set something aside for each player or break. Around 21% of consumers prioritise portioning in advance. |
| Label | Read the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for the exact variety. | If someone in the group needs to watch out for certain ingredients or allergens, I want to check the pack before serving. Label checks are the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Judging by the size of the bag alone
A bag that looks big doesn’t tell you how many crisps it contains or how many people it will serve.
Check the net weight and decide in advance whether you want to put out one sharing bag or individual portions.
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Treating a claim on the front as a verdict on the whole product
A claim about one nutritional value doesn’t tell you everything else about the exact variety of crisps.
Compare the full nutritional information and ingredients list per 100 g and, where provided, per portion.
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Assuming allergens are the same across different flavours
Ingredients can vary by flavour and pack. For example, Jumbo lists milk and sulphites for Smiths Sticks Paprika.
Check the current ingredients list and allergen information for every bag you plan to serve.
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Opening a sharing bag without a plan for leftovers
A large bag is handy for sharing straight away, but if there are crisps left, seal it after opening and follow the storage advice.
Choose individual packs when portioning in advance matters more, and follow the advice on the bag for any opened crisps.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
This own-brand option is worth considering if you’re looking for a sharing bag of plain crisps.
- Albert Heijn lists AH Chips naturel in a 250 g bag.
- Check the ingredients and storage advice on the pack you choose.
Jumbo
This own brand offers both standard plain crisps and ridged crisps, so you can choose the texture you prefer.
- Jumbo lists Naturel Chips at 250 g and Ribbelchips Naturel at 335 g.
- The bags differ in size and crisp shape, so choose the variety that suits your group.
Lidl / Snack Day
Lidl describes Snack Day as its own brand for crisps and other savoury snacks.
- The range includes various types of savoury snacks.
- Check whether each Snack Day product is crisps, popcorn or another type of snack.
Lay's
A good choice if you’re looking for a particular Lay's variety or a pack with smaller portions.
- Joybuy describes a Lay's Family Box containing 15 snack packs.
- A mixed box doesn’t contain just one type of crisp, so check the contents of each pack.
Pringles
An option if you want formed crisps in a tube, either in a larger pack or as individual portions.
- Among the products shown are 165 g Pringles tubes and multipacks of 40 g tubes.
- Check allergens for the exact flavour and pack; the information for Pringles Original 12 x 40 g lists wheat and gluten.
Smiths
Smiths Sticks are a different type of snack from standard potato crisps.
- Jumbo lists Smiths Sticks in flavours including paprika.
- The product information for Smiths Sticks Paprika lists milk and sulphites as allergens.
Crisps and snacks for a gaming session
These packs are most relevant if you want to share tubes or set out individual portions. When choosing between varieties, compare the total contents, flavour and information on the pack.
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Pringles Original, 3 x 165 g
For a gaming session where you want to put out several tubes of crisps. The pack contains three 165 g tubes; if anyone has allergies, check the label on the exact pack.
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Pringles Red Pepper, 12 x 40 g
For anyone looking for a paprika flavour and individual portions. This multipack contains twelve 40 g tubes; if anyone has allergies, check the ingredients on the exact pack.
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Pringles Original, 12 x 40 g
For anyone who wants to portion out the Original variety for each player or break. The pack contains twelve 40 g tubes. Joybuy lists wheat and gluten, and possible traces of milk and soya, for this variety; if anyone has allergies, check the label.
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Croky Sharing Mix, 180 g
For anyone who wants to put a mix of snacks on the table rather than just one type of crisp. The stated contents are 180 g; check the ingredients and allergens on the pack.
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Takis Blue Heat corn chips, 18 x 100 g
For a group looking to hand out individual bags of Blue Heat-flavoured corn chips. The multipack contains eighteen 100 g bags; check the ingredients and allergens on the exact pack.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out how many crisps I need for a gaming session?
Check the net weight of the bag and how many players will be eating. Then decide whether you want to share one bag or set out individual packs.
Are oven-baked crisps automatically a better choice?
No. The cooking method alone doesn’t give you the full nutritional picture. Compare the fat, salt and energy per 100 g on the label for the exact variety, as well as the ingredients and portion size.
What portion size should I use when comparing nutritional information?
Use the amount you actually plan to serve, and also compare the values per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre uses a 40 g bowl of plain crisps as an example; the nutritional values of a particular flavour or brand may differ.
What should I check if someone in the group has a food allergy?
Read the allergen information on every pack you plan to serve, even if you know another flavour from the same brand. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens are listed on labels; don’t rely solely on the brand name or the front of the bag.
How should I store any crisps left over after the gaming session?
Follow the storage advice on the pack you’ve chosen and seal any opened bag tightly. Albert Heijn recommends storing its plain crisps in a cool, dry place away from light; check the label for other varieties.